Percussionist- Dion "Bad" Thames has silently emerged to be one of the area's most favored musicians. Not only does he bring talent to the First Unit, his vibrant personality is a plus! His musical career started at age 16 when he began freelancing with a variety of local R&B and DC Go-Go bands. Unlike most percussionists, Bad Boy learned to play on the opposite side of congas, basically facing his trainers with his back towards his audience! When he began to play independently, setting up his congas from left to right became a trademark habit for him. Bad's dynamic style enhances the sounds of The First Unit. He's truly a party-pleaser and guarantees the deliverance of the "Bringing You Back!" part of our motto. According to Bad - "As long as the musicians play the way they're supposed to and the vocalists sing, it's ON! Every show has its goal and so far we've been scoring! We're constantly reaching for the next level!" 
Lyricist - David "BabyBoy" Sheffy From the phrases "still wet behind the ears", "new driver", "son", "lil brotha", "under our wing" and "youngin", David "Baby Boy" Sheffy, can be refered to as all of the above. It's no secret that he's the youngest male in the group. His strong desire to rap came in the late 1980's after attending a Dougie Fresh and RUN DMC concert. Their strong performances inspired him to learn the unique twisted-tongue art. After months of practicing, Baby Boy joined a number of private rap battling sessions. By the mid- 1990's he shared the stage with local rappers and DC Go-Go bands. The Washingtonian's greatest challenge came in the late 1990's when he helped develop Signature Live! (formerly known as About Time). It was the first time ever that he got a chance to rap along with female team players.-------"Signature Live! is my family! I love the way we all blend. It's a positive group with the satisification of love and joy. We're partners, friends and family on and off stage!"
Keyboardist - Of all the talented musicians within Signature Live! Johnnell Gray is the most experienced. His musical career began 1967 at Shaw University Raleigh, NC where he played guitar for a band called Tony and the Entertainers. Returning to Washington, DC in 1968, he picked up a new passion – piano and organ. As a self-taught musician, Johnnell learned to read and write charts. His first hired keyboard job was playing for The Tacombshads. A year and a half later, Johnnell joined The Daytons followed by Black Heat (http://www.thirteen.org/soul/2009/04/14/november-29-1972/).Black Heat was signed by Atlantic Records with the first of three released albums entitled,
“Black Heat: Declassified Grooves”. By the second album, Johnnell had written the song collaborated with Bradley Owens and Chip Jones which would prove to be the largest seller of Black Heat’s career; “No Time to Burn”. He also wrote other songs which appeared on the group’s three albums; “Street of Tears”, “Barbara’s Mood”, “Things Change” and “Love”. At their hottest in the early 1970’s, Black Heat toured Europe,
By 1987 Johnnell played keyboards briefly with Sherman Harrison a.k.a. Hajji (father of singer – Mya). He was mentioned on Hajji’s liner notes on a ballad called, “It’s Over”. In 1988, Johnnell formed the band –
group called Eddie Jones and the Young Bucks. He has been with this group until present. Over the years, he has had opportunities to play with several noted local bands including but not exclusive of; The Legendary Orioles, Skip Mahoney and the Casuals, The Jewels, with saxophonist – Jacques Johnson, The Lady and Her Sax – Sharon Thomas, The Dynamic Superiors and others. Also, on a semi-regular basis, he plays with other local groups such as Signature Live, Conclusion, Just Us Band & Show, M&R Project, The Mustangs, The Fabulous Fantoms, The Winstons and also played for singers, Barbara Malone and Gloria Brown. Johnnell Gray continues to build his reputation as an exceptional keyboard player and vocalist. He’s is currently working on more of his own original musical compositions expected to be released in the near future.
Signature Live! refers to Johnnell as “THE PROFESSOR”! He’s their musical thesaurus. He’s been a loyal and dedicated player of the group for the past 5 years, providing them with
music, vocal arrangements and sometimes as their sound technician. -------“What I enjoy most about Signature Live! is the energy of the group!”
Bassist - ?
To Be Announced
Marketing Director - When Signature Live! came up with the idea of finding a Marketing Director, they had no idea that the perfect person was right there in their presence all the time. DieterLove! For years, DieterLove has been known for his committed support, in accompanying his sultry, talented wife, JessLove at just about every show. While doing so, he grasped a talent of his own, resulting in booming performances for the band. It’s because of DieterLove, the phones are heavy, emails are constant and the calendar is active. The native Washingtonian loves music, furnishing the singers with various ideas and marketing strategies, winning all favors. Because of DieterLove’s overall approach, Signature Live has gained a number of favorable rapports. Not only has he proven to be an asset to the band, Signature Live! is his first client! DieterLove has proven to be successful presenting himself well and representing Signature Live in good taste and fashion. He continues to be the first POC (point-of-contact) of all prospective and inquiry clients. -------"It's fun working with my wife and the band. I'm glad to be a part. We really work hard to keep the group well-structured!"
Guitarist - E. Rick Williams was given the nickname of ER - Hurt 'em Rickey by the manager of Signature Live! When he plays he plays! He fills the audience with frowning expressions of joy! They cringe for the love of his talent and are left with an unforgetfulable joyful effect. Not only does ER plays the guitar, he reads and writes accurate chord charts. He has a perfect ear and sings lead and background vocals. ER has also had experience in musical direction, keyboards and drums.
Drummer- John Chandler - aka "BIG JOHN" dubbed as "The Drummer's Drummer"! A Newcomer to Signature Live! Big John brings a powerful and masterful style of drumming that rivals most drum machines. Since age 7, Big John has been inseperable to drumsticks, consistantly studying the chops of greats from DENNIS CHAMBERS to RINGO STAR. With many genres of music under his belt, it was the only natural that Big John would make a perfect fit to his diverse ensemble. He has played and toured with local and national artists such as: ALBERT PHILLIPS, LUTHER BARNES, WILLIAM HUBBARD, FANTASIA, ROZ WHITE and many others. Feel the "Heartbeat" of his bass drum at the next Signature Live! event. ----"I love this group! They really make me feel like we've been playing together for a long time!"